Botswana has made history with the discovery of the world’s largest diamond in over 100 years, unearthed at a local mine.

On Thursday, August 22, the country’s president proudly unveiled the massive gemstone to a global audience at a special viewing ceremony.

According to the Botswana government, the enormous 2,492-carat diamond is the second-largest ever unearthed in a mine, and the largest discovered in over 119 years, since 1905.

In a momentous occasion, the massive diamond was unveiled to the global community at the office of Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Weighing in at approximately half a kilogram, President Masisi had the privilege of being among the first to handle the incredible gemstone.

While the diamond’s value and sale details are yet to be determined, officials noted that a smaller diamond from the same Botswana mine sold for a record-breaking $63 million in 2016.

Naseem Lahri, Botswana managing director for Lucara Diamond Corp., expressed his pride and historic significance, saying,

“This is a momentous occasion, and I’m honored to be a part of it. This incredible diamond is a testament to Botswana’s rich resources.”

On Wednesday, August 21, Lucara announced the remarkable discovery of an “exceptional” 2,492-carat rough diamond at its Karowe Mine in central Botswana.

The company described the diamond as “high-quality” and intact, crediting advanced X-ray technology for its detection. Lucara’s President and CEO, William Lamb, expressed his excitement, stating,

“We are thrilled to have recovered this extraordinary diamond, which weighs an impressive 2,492 carats, making it the largest found in 119 years and the second-largest ever mined, surpassed only by the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905, which was later cut into gems featured in the British Crown Jewels.”